Today is the Feast of St. Andrew. The Apostle Andrew was actually the first disciple of Jesus. He had been a disciple of John the Baptist and witnessed Jesus’ baptism. He took seriously John’s words that Jesus was the One. So left John, told his brother Peter, and followed Jesus instead. He would one day follow Jesus to the cross. Tradition tells us that Andrew was martyred by the Emperor Nero on a diagonal cross (hence the “St. Andrew’s Cross” in the picture).

Now the St. Andrew’s Cross in the picture above also happens to be the flag of Scotland (it makes up one of the 3 crosses in the Union Jack of Great Britain with the Crosses of St. George for England and St. Patrick for Ireland the other 2). This is because somewhere around AD 1000, St. Andrew became the patron saint of Scotland. Now I have to admit, ever since I saw “Braveheart” at the original Cine Capri Theatre, I’ve had a bit of a fascination with Scotland. Alas, my surname, Copeland, really comes from Northern England and not the Highlands!

Anyway, here are the Scriptures and Collect (prayer) for St. Andrew’s Day.

ALMIGHTY God, who didst give such grace unto thy holy Apostle Saint Andrew, that he readily obeyed the calling of thy Son Jesus Christ, and followed him without delay; Grant unto us all, that we, being called by thy holy Word, may forthwith give up ourselves obediently to fulfil thy holy commandments; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Romans 10:9-21

Matthew 4:18-22

Finally, does it get any better than “Amazing Grace” played on bagpipes?

Shane+